New brain scan could spot Parkinson's early

NCT ID NCT06289582

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Alabama at Birmingham Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study uses a special PET scan tracer called [18F]DPA-714 to measure brain inflammation in people with early or suspected Parkinson's disease and in healthy volunteers. Researchers will scan participants at the start, after 12 months, and after 24 months to see how inflammation changes over time. The goal is to learn whether this scan can help detect Parkinson's earlier and track its progression.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: [18F]DPA-714 (a radioactive tracer for PET imaging)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help doctors detect Parkinson's earlier and track how the disease progresses using brain scans.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small study (60 people) focused on imaging, not treatment. The tracer may not reliably show inflammation, and results may not apply to all Parkinson's patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Parkinson disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PARKINSON DISEASE

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

UAB
RECRUITING

Birmingham, Alabama, 35294, United States

Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Contact

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